Farmland Protection, H-2A Visa Reform, and Disaster Recovery Drive NC-11 Race
Candidates Jennifer Balkcom, Jamie Ager, and Travis Groo offer competing solutions for small-scale farming, H-2A guest worker visas, and long-term disaster recovery across Western North Carolina.
Candidate Backgrounds and Campaign Platforms
Jamie Ager (D): A fourth-generation farmer from Fairview, N.C., Ager expanded his family’s century-old homestead into Hickory Nut Gap Farm, a regional sustainable meat enterprise. His agricultural roots carry on a prominent legacy of public service: his grandfather, Jamie Clarke, represented the district in the U.S. House; his father, John Ager, served four terms in the N.C. House; and his brother, Eric Ager, currently serves in the N.C. House Agriculture Committee. Running as a self-described “mountain Democrat,” Ager’s platform centers on rural economic development, agricultural policy, affordability, and long-term Hurricane Helene recovery. He holds degrees in environmental studies and history and maintains active ties with the Buncombe County Farm Bureau and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association.
Jennifer Balkcom (R): Balkcom grew up on her family’s apple orchard in Henderson County and spent more than 25 years in banking and finance, currently working as a mortgage loan officer. Since 2023, she has served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, focusing on agricultural policy, farmland preservation, and disaster relief. Her signature legislative work includes the N.C. Farmland and Military Family Protection Act.
Travis Groo (L): (Information about Travis Groo's background and platform is not provided in the original text.)
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